1974 BMW 3 vs. 1972 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 473 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
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) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1972 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2420 mm |
