2009 BMW 650 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 weights approximately 151 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 650 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2009 BMW 650 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 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 650 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2620 mm |
