1996 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 917 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 34 L |
