1971 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 26 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 6,505 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (193 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1020 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (583 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Express |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 583 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3440 mm |
