1971 BMW 3 vs. 1970 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,723 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1970 Buick Skylark. (155 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 490 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, 1970 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1970 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 3 | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5723 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |
