1971 BMW 3 vs. 1968 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 110 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (318 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1968 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2830 mm |
