1974 BMW 3 vs. 1973 Chrysler Centura
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chrysler Centura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chrysler Centura would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Chrysler Centura. (118 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Chrysler Centura. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 317 kg more than 1973 Chrysler Centura. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chrysler Centura. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chrysler Centura. 1973 Chrysler Centura has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chrysler Centura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1973 Chrysler Centura | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 3 | Centura |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2680 mm |
