2003 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Ford Escort
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 Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort 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 195 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 567 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. 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 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
