1996 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 313 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (177 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Granada |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
