1971 BMW 3 vs. 1980 BMW M1
To start off, 1980 BMW M1 is newer by 9 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M1 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1980 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 262 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2570 mm |
