1990 BMW 850 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1990 BMW 850 is newer by 19 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
