1997 BMW 850 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2900 mm |
