1974 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Ford Ranger
To start off, 1997 Ford Ranger is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 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 82 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1997 Ford Ranger. 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1997 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2840 mm |
