1998 BMW 318 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 27 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 64 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
