1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 62 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2850 mm |
