1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2008 BMW 316
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 393 kg more than 2008 BMW 316.
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 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316. 2008 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2008 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Gran Torino | 316 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 63 L |
