1972 Austin 2200 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin 2200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin 2200 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1972 Austin 2200. (110 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin 2200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 252 kg more than 1972 Austin 2200. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin 2200. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin 2200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin 2200 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 2200 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2227 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 163 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1181 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2700 mm |
