1971 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2003 Opel Speedster 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 55 more horse power than 2003 Opel Speedster. (145 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Speedster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 504 kg more than 2003 Opel Speedster. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Speedster. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Speedster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2003 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 36 L |
