2009 BMW 125 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 35 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 113 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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, both vehicles can yield 270 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2700 mm |
