1972 BMW 3 vs. 2002 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Ford Mustang is newer by 30 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (385 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 390 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2002 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
