1998 BMW 740 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1974 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 740 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2700 mm |
