1971 BMW 3 vs. 1960 Jaguar 3.8
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Jaguar 3.8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Jaguar 3.8 would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Jaguar 3.8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Jaguar 3.8 (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Jaguar 3.8 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Jaguar 3.8 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1960 Jaguar 3.8 (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1960 Jaguar 3.8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1960 Jaguar 3.8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 3 | 3.8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2740 mm |
