1971 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1997 Ford Falcon is newer by 26 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (301 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 294 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1997 Ford Falcon (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1997 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1674 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2830 mm |
