1972 Austin 2200 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 16 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1972 Austin 2200. (110 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin 2200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 19 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin 2200. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin 2200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin 2200 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 2200 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2227 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 163 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1181 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 70 L |
