1971 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane is newer by 17 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 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 250 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1988 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |
