1973 BMW 3 vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 40 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 260 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| 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 | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| 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 | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
