1971 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2006 Toyota Prius 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 104 more horse power than 2006 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2006 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Toyota Prius, 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 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Prius. (116 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Prius. 2006 Toyota Prius 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. 2006 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2006 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
