1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1983 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 247 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. 1983 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1983 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z3 | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
