1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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 Z3 (180 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (152 Nm). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1976 Ford Taunus has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Taunus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z3 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
