1971 BMW 3 vs. 1998 Lexus GS
To start off, 1998 Lexus GS is newer by 27 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), 1998 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus GS (290 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 360 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, 1998 Lexus GS (415 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1998 Lexus GS 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. 1998 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1998 Lexus GS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 3 | GS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 415 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
