1986 BMW 325 vs. 1973 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1986 BMW 325 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1986 BMW 325. (126 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 455 kg more than 1986 BMW 325. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (230 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325. 1973 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1973 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
