2005 BMW 330 vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1973 BMW 3. 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, 2005 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 2005 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
