1973 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Audi S5
To start off, 2012 Audi S5 is newer by 39 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi S5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi S5 (354 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi S5 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi S5 weights approximately 480 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.
Because 2012 Audi S5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi S5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi S5 (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Audi S5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2012 Audi S5 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 3 | S5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 354 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
