2008 BMW 118 vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
