2004 BMW 318 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 30 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, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 42 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 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 | 1475 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2700 mm |
