1974 BMW 3 vs. 1977 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1977 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Caprice. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 237 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
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, 1977 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 1977 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1977 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1977 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2950 mm |
