1998 BMW 323 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 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 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 584 kg more than 1998 BMW 323.
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 (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 323 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 323 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 6553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
