1972 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2012 Ford Mondeo is newer by 40 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 58 more horse power than 2012 Ford Mondeo. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2012 Ford Mondeo. 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, 2012 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Mondeo. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Mondeo. 2012 Ford Mondeo 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. 2012 Ford Mondeo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2012 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1369 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 |
