1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Taunus | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2450 mm |
