1996 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2001 Ford Mondeo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mondeo. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 182 kg more than 2001 Ford Mondeo. 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, 2001 Ford Mondeo, 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 (320 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Mondeo. (172 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2001 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
