1971 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Altima is newer by 34 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 19 kg more than 2005 Nissan Altima.
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, 2005 Nissan Altima, 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 (254 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2760 mm |
