1983 BMW 323 vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 449 kg more than 1983 BMW 323. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
