1972 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1981 Ford Granada is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 55 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1981 Ford Granada has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Granada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Granada |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2780 mm |
