1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 169 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 Chevrolet Silverado (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 6340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 4010 mm |
