1972 BMW 3 vs. 2010 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2010 Toyota Prius is newer by 38 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 67 more horse power than 2010 Toyota Prius. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Prius weights approximately 6 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, 2010 Toyota Prius, 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2010 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2700 mm |
