1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1971 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1976 BMW 3.3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 221 kg more than 1976 BMW 3.3.
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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. 1976 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1971 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3.3 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 98.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3100 mm |
