1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3.3. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 355 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.3. 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 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3.3. (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.3. 1973 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3.3 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 61 L |
