1971 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 86 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 72 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
