2004 BMW 325 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 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 84 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (116 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 98 kg more than 2004 BMW 325. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (222 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 325 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
