1971 BMW 3 vs. 1996 BMW 332
To start off, 1996 BMW 332 is newer by 25 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 180 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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1996 BMW 332 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 332 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
