1973 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Chrysler Viper
To start off, 1997 Chrysler Viper is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 7,984 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 320 kg more than 1973 BMW 3. 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, 1997 Chrysler Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1997 Chrysler Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 3 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 7984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
