1986 BMW 325 vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 1986 BMW 325 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1986 BMW 325. (126 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1986 BMW 325. 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (230 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
