2001 Acura RSX vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2001 Acura RSX is newer by 30 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 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2001 Acura RSX. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2001 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RSX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RSX. (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RSX | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2700 mm |
