1972 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2006 Ford Mondeo is newer by 34 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 33 more horse power than 2006 Ford Mondeo. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 90 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 2006 Ford Mondeo, 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Mondeo. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2006 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2760 mm |
