1971 BMW 3 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 32 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 33 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 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. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
