1971 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Morgan Aero 8
To start off, 2006 Morgan Aero 8 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Morgan Aero 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Morgan Aero 8 (282 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Morgan Aero 8 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2006 Morgan Aero 8.
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 Morgan Aero 8 (430 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Morgan Aero 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2006 Morgan Aero 8 | |
| Make | BMW | Morgan |
| Model | 3 | Aero 8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2540 mm |
