1995 BMW M5 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1995 BMW M5 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,794 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1974 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, 1995 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 214 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 | 1725 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
