1971 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Lexus SC
To start off, 1999 Lexus SC is newer by 28 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 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lexus SC (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lexus SC weights approximately 95 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, 1999 Lexus SC (290 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Lexus SC | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 3 | SC |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
