1971 BMW 3 vs. 2004 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2004 Peugeot 406 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 66 more horse power than 2004 Peugeot 406. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 20 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, 2004 Peugeot 406, 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 @ 3700 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Peugeot 406. (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Peugeot 406. 2004 Peugeot 406 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 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2004 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 3 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
