2006 BMW 318 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1972 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
