1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 25 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 78 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW Z3 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | Z3 | 3 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 184 HP | 180 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 275 Nm | 255 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1302 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 |