2003 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
