1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1999 BMW Z3
To start off, 1999 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 30 kg more than 1999 BMW Z3.
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, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (353 Nm) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW Z3. (180 Nm). This means 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW Z3. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 1999 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2450 mm |
