1971 BMW 3 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 35 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 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 175 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, 2006 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
