1974 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Toyota Century
To start off, 1985 Toyota Century is newer by 11 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 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1985 Toyota Century. (153 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Toyota Century weights approximately 367 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, 1985 Toyota Century (290 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 1985 Toyota Century 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. 1985 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1985 Toyota Century | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Century |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2870 mm |
