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, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 5 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 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 155 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
