1971 BMW 3 vs. 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 30 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria (221 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 397 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, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria (370 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2001 Ford Crown Victoria 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. 2001 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2001 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1777 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
