1997 BMW S3 vs. 1981 Dodge Mirada
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 332 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1981 Dodge Mirada | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | S3 | Mirada |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
