1971 BMW 3 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 14 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), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 120 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
