1973 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang is newer by 36 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (395 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Mustang. (240 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Mustang. 2009 Ford Mustang 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. 2009 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2009 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
