1998 BMW 318 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 382 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 87 L |
