1997 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1990 Ford Mustang. (105 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1990 Ford Mustang. 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 M3 (236 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Mustang. (183 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1990 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
