1971 BMW 3 vs. 1974 Austin Marina
To start off, 1974 Austin Marina is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 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 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1974 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1974 Austin Marina. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Marina. 1974 Austin Marina 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. 1974 Austin Marina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1974 Austin Marina | |
| Make | BMW | Austin |
| Model | 3 | Marina |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
