2009 BMW 120 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 38 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, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 5 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2700 mm |
