1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 41 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 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 1105 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | 535 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3071 mm |
