2003 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1970 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 192 kg more than 1970 Ford Zephyr. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Zephyr. (154 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1970 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2930 mm |
