2009 BMW 320 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 32 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 110 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, 2009 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 148 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
