1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 38 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 295 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, 2009 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 248 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 | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
