2002 BMW 330 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 28 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 182 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, 2002 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2700 mm |
