1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 145 kg more than 2012 BMW 1 Series.
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 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Impala | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2660 mm |
