1987 BMW 318 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 16 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 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 414 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. 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 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1987 BMW 318 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | 3 |
Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 254 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.1:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4720 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |