1971 BMW 3 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 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 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 50 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 3 | 520 |
Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 220 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 | 1496 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |