2006 BMW 330 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 35 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 432 kg more than 1971 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, 2006 BMW 330 (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1812 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
