1986 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1998 Ford Mustang is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 220 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
