1972 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Pontiac 6000
To start off, 1988 Pontiac 6000 is newer by 16 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 89 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac 6000. (108 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac 6000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac 6000 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
Because 1972 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac 6000, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac 6000. (183 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac 6000. 1988 Pontiac 6000 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. 1988 Pontiac 6000 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1988 Pontiac 6000 | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | 6000 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
