1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Aston Martin DBS
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DBS is newer by 41 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DBS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DBS should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DBS weights approximately 430 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, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DBS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2012 Aston Martin DBS 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. 2012 Aston Martin DBS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Aston Martin DBS | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 3 | DBS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4719 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2741 mm |
