1997 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2009 Ford Expedition is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 334 kg more than 2009 Ford Expedition.
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, 2009 Ford Expedition (495 Nm) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 2009 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 2009 Ford Expedition has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 2009 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3330 mm |
