1971 BMW 3 vs. 1969 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1969 Peugeot 204. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1969 Peugeot 204. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Peugeot 204, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Peugeot 204. (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Peugeot 204.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1969 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 3 | 204 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2610 mm |
