1997 BMW S3 vs. 2012 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2012 Ford Expedition is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Expedition weights approximately 1149 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. 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, 2012 Ford Expedition (494 Nm) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2012 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 2012 Ford Expedition has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2012 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | S3 | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 494 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2517 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2002 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3023 mm |
