1971 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2011 Tesla Roadster 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. In terms of performance, 2011 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2011 Tesla Roadster.
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 Tesla Roadster (400 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm). This means 2011 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2011 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Tesla |
| Model | 3 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2352 mm |
