1971 BMW 3 vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 525 should accelerate faster 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, 2011 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2011 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2011 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
