1998 BMW 320 vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1973 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
