1971 BMW 3 vs. 1994 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1994 Ford Tempo is newer by 23 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1994 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1994 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Tempo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Tempo. (171 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1994 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2540 mm |
