1972 BMW 3 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 71 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 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
