1973 BMW 3 vs. 2002 BMW 332
To start off, 2002 BMW 332 is newer by 29 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 332 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 332 weights approximately 385 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, 2002 BMW 332 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2002 BMW 332 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 332 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
