1971 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Saleen S7
To start off, 2007 Saleen S7 is newer by 36 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 580 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 133 kg more than 2007 Saleen S7.
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, 2007 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 695 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2007 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2007 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | BMW | Saleen |
| Model | 3 | S7 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 399 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 2.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2692 mm |
