1971 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Toyota Prius
To start off, 1999 Toyota Prius 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Prius. (127 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Prius weights approximately 235 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 1999 Toyota Prius, 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Prius. (108 Nm). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Prius. 1999 Toyota Prius 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. 1999 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1999 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2440 mm |
