1972 BMW 3 vs. 1981 BMW 725
To start off, 1981 BMW 725 is newer by 9 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 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 725.
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 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1981 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 725 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
