1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang. 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | M3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
