1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2012 Toyota Prius 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, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Prius. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Prius weights approximately 56 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Because 1971 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Prius, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2700 mm |
