1997 Bentley Turbo vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1997 Bentley Turbo is newer by 25 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 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Bentley Turbo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Bentley Turbo (396 HP @ 4150 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Bentley Turbo should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Bentley Turbo weights approximately 1125 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, 1997 Bentley Turbo (800 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 528 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Bentley Turbo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1997 Bentley Turbo has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Bentley Turbo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Bentley Turbo | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Turbo | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.1 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2120 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 70 L |
