1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 130 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Fairlane | 120 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
