1968 Ford 12 M vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1968 Ford 12 M. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1968 Ford 12 M. 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 12 M. (80 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 12 M | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | 12 M | M3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1182 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
