2008 BMW 320 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 37 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 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 | 1395 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
