2007 BMW 545 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 2007 BMW 545 is newer by 33 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 545 weights approximately 542 kg more than 1974 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, 2007 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 545 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 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 | 1975 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
