1974 BMW 3 vs. 1968 Ford 17
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 377 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1968 Ford 17 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | 17 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
