2002 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2002 BMW M3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW M3 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm). This means 2002 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2002 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina 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 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 54 L |
