1974 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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 3,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 104 kg more than 2009 Nissan Pathfinder.
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 Nissan Pathfinder (288 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2009 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2860 mm |
