1992 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1992 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 393 kg more than 1992 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW M3 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
