1986 BMW M3 vs. 1966 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (126 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 160 kg more than 1986 BMW M3.
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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (235 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1966 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2930 mm |
