1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 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 Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 15 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 Z4 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2008 BMW Z4 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. 2008 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2500 mm |
