1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 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 40 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3. 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
