1973 BMW 3 vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 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 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 380 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, 2012 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
