1989 BMW 316 vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1989 BMW 316 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1989 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 316 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
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, 1971 Ford Mustang (146 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 316. (141 Nm). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 316 | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 316 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4726 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2780 mm |
