1999 BMW 323 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 28 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, both vehicles can yield 170 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 50 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 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
