1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2450 mm |
