1972 BMW 3 vs. 2007 BMW 320
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 35 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 2007 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 weights approximately 160 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 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2007 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
