1973 BMW 3 vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 1979 Ford LTD is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 290 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
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, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1979 Ford LTD | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | LTD |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
