1973 BMW 3 vs. 1998 BMW 330
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 25 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 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1973 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 330. (281 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1998 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
