1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 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 Chevrolet Captiva (181 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva weights approximately 398 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 Chevrolet Captiva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 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 Chevrolet Captiva (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Captiva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Chevrolet Captiva | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Captiva |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.3 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4673 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1756 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2707 mm |
