1971 BMW 3 vs. 1984 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1984 Rover Vitesse is newer by 13 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 3,531 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Rover Vitesse (187 HP @ 5280 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Rover Vitesse weights approximately 60 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, 1984 Rover Vitesse (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1984 Rover Vitesse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1984 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 3 | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3531 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5280 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2820 mm |
