1971 BMW 3 vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 40 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), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 150 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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| 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 | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
