2002 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (251 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW M3 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang. 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, 2002 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 2002 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang. 2002 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW M3 | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4726 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
