1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3.3. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1973 BMW 3.3 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 1973 BMW 3.3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3.3. (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3.3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 76 L |
