1972 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 37 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (307 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster 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, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2009 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 307 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 9 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
