1986 BMW M3 vs. 1955 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1955 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1955 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2650 mm |
