1971 BMW 3 vs. 1974 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1974 Datsun 260Z 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 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1974 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1974 Datsun 260Z. 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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1974 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 3 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
