1996 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 9 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 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 498 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 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 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (208 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2005 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 18.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
