1998 BMW 317 vs. 1983 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Mustang (118 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 77 kg more than 1983 Ford Mustang.
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, 1983 Ford Mustang (278 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1983 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 317 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
