1972 BMW 3 vs. 2012 GMC Savana
To start off, 2012 GMC Savana is newer by 40 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 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 GMC Savana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 GMC Savana. (195 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 GMC Savana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Savana weights approximately 961 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, 2012 GMC Savana (352 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Savana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2012 GMC Savana 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. 2012 GMC Savana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2012 GMC Savana | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 3 | Savana |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 2231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
