1971 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 15 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Bonneville. (149 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 120 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Because 1971 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 Pontiac Bonneville (271 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm). This means 1986 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1986 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2820 mm |
