1988 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta is newer by 24 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 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (120 HP @ 6350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2012 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1151 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4067 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1697 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 45 L |
