1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 245 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 2012 BMW 335 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, 2012 BMW 335 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, 2012 BMW 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 335 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2810 mm |
