1972 BMW 3 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
To start off, both 1972 BMW 3 and 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle were released in the same year (1972). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 285 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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 Chevrolet Chevelle (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Chevelle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
