1972 BMW 3 vs. 2008 BMW 740
To start off, 2008 BMW 740 is newer by 36 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 3,901 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 740 (255 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 740 weights approximately 716 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, 2008 BMW 740 (600 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2008 BMW 740 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. 2008 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2008 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3000 mm |
