1974 BMW 3 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 35 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 59 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 47 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. 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, 2009 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 2009 BMW 118 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. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
