1986 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 20 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 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1986 BMW M3. (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1686 kg more than 1986 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Ford Five Hundred is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3. 2006 Ford Five Hundred 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. 2006 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2006 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2870 mm |
