1972 BMW 3 vs. 2005 BMW 535
To start off, 2005 BMW 535 is newer by 33 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 3,428 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 535 (241 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 535 weights approximately 311 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 BMW 535 (330 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2005 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3428 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
