1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 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, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
