1971 BMW 3 vs. 2006 BMW Z4
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 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, 2006 BMW Z4 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4.
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 Z4 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 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 Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2500 mm |
