2008 BMW 320 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 34 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 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 57 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 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 | 1490 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
