1988 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 877 kg more than 1988 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
