1997 BMW S3 vs. 1976 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1976 Ford Falcon. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Falcon weights approximately 12 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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 S3 (330 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Falcon. (325 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1976 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | S3 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
