1986 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina 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 112 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina. 1970 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2590 mm |
