1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 37 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
