1994 BMW M5 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 516 kg more than 1972 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, 1994 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3793 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1786 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
