1974 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1981 Toyota Celica is newer by 7 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 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 85 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica. 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica 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. 1981 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 3 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
Make | BMW | Toyota |
Model | 3 | Celica |
Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1165 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |