1998 BMW M vs. 1973 BMW 3.3
To start off, 1998 BMW M is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3.3. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3.3.
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, 1998 BMW M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3.3. (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.3. 1973 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 1973 BMW 3.3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M | 3.3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 95 L |
