1997 BMW S3 vs. 1988 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 262 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1988 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | S3 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
