1972 AMC Javelin vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1972 AMC Javelin is newer by 1 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 AMC Javelin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1972 AMC Javelin. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Javelin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1972 AMC Javelin. 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, 1972 AMC Javelin (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Javelin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1972 AMC Javelin 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. 1972 AMC Javelin will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Javelin | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Javelin | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1342 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
