1971 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2011 Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza (395 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 125 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.
Because 2011 Subaru Impreza is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Impreza (515 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2011 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2619 mm |
