2001 BMW 320 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 29 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 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 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 263 kg more than 2001 BMW 320.
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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 2001 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
