1968 Ford Escort 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 Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort 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 358 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 1080 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. 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 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Escort | M3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 63 L |
