1971 BMW 3 vs. 1996 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1996 TVR Chimaera 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1996 TVR Chimaera.
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 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1996 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 3 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2290 mm |
