1971 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2005 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 34 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Crown Victoria (224 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 460 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, 2005 Ford Crown Victoria (359 Nm) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2005 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. 2005 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2005 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2920 mm |
