1973 BMW 2004 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1973 BMW 2004 is newer by 1 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 104 more horse power than 1973 BMW 2004. (97 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 2004. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 354 kg more than 1973 BMW 2004. 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 2004. (157 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 2004.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 2004 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 2004 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
