1995 BMW 317 vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 317 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
