1971 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville (200 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville 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.
Because 1971 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Pontiac Bonneville (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville 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 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1997 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2700 mm |
