1988 BMW 524 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 17 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 67 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
