1973 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express 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 4,798 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (279 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 9 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Express.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (399 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 2009 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2009 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Express |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 4798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 279 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 6210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 2090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
