1972 BMW 3 vs. 2005 BMW 730
To start off, 2005 BMW 730 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 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 730 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 730 weights approximately 554 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 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2005 BMW 730 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. 2005 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2005 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1824 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
