1996 BMW 523 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 24 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 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 136 kg more than 1996 BMW 523.
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, both vehicles can yield 245 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
