2004 BMW 316 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 33 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 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
