1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 BMW 335
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 335 weights approximately 220 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 335 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 335 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 335 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 335 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
