1971 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Renault Alpine
To start off, 1986 Renault Alpine 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault Alpine (200 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault Alpine should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1986 Renault Alpine.
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, 1986 Renault Alpine (285 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1986 Renault Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1986 Renault Alpine | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2350 mm |
