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 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 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. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 85 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 79 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 | Station Wagon | 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
