1971 BMW 3 vs. 2004 BMW 325
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 is newer by 33 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 11 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 168 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325. 2004 BMW 325 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. 2004 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2004 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 237 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 | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
