1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (330 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 222 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW Z3. (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 75 L |
