1977 BMW 320 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1977 BMW 320 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1977 BMW 320. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1977 BMW 320. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 320 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
