1972 BMW 3 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 176 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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1974 Chevrolet Nova has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1974 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2830 mm |
