2009 BMW 320 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 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 151 kg more than 1972 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 (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
