1971 BMW 3 vs. 1995 BMW 317
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 24 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, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1995 BMW 317. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1995 BMW 317 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
