2003 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1978 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1978 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
