1972 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Toyota Corolla 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 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 26 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Corolla. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 216 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
Because 1972 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Corolla, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Toyota Corolla (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2008 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 15.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2760 mm |
