1979 Ford LTD vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 35 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | LTD | 120 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
