1971 BMW 3 vs. 1972 Ford Torino
To start off, 1972 Ford Torino is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 612 kg more than 1971 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, 1972 Ford Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1972 Ford Torino has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1972 Ford Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Torino |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
