1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 41 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 601 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.
Because 2012 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2012 Ford Taurus 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. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 3 | Taurus |
Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 365 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 254 Nm | 474 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1981 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5154 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1935 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1542 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2868 mm |