2009 BMW 318 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 39 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 55 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
