1996 BMW 530 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1996 BMW 530 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 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 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 227 kg more than 1996 BMW 530.
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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 530. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 530. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 530 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 5751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 87 L |
