1972 BMW 3 vs. 1989 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 456 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1989 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 918 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
