1973 BMW 3 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 36 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 62 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 255 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (191 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
