1971 BMW 3 vs. 1959 Alvis TD
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Alvis TD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Alvis TD would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Alvis TD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 Alvis TD. (117 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alvis TD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Alvis TD weights approximately 45 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alvis TD. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alvis TD. 1959 Alvis TD has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Alvis TD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1959 Alvis TD | |
| Make | BMW | Alvis |
| Model | 3 | TD |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
