1971 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Lexus SC
To start off, 1997 Lexus SC 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 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus SC (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus SC weights approximately 170 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, 1997 Lexus SC (365 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1997 Lexus SC | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 3 | SC |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 66 L |
