1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1971 Toyota Century
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Century would be higher. At 2,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1971 Toyota Century. (128 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Toyota Century weights approximately 70 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, 1971 Toyota Century (236 Nm) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (180 Nm). This means 1971 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1971 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1971 Toyota Century | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | Z3 | Century |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2870 mm |
