2003 BMW M3 vs. 1982 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1982 Ford Mustang. (225 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Mustang weights approximately 98 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 1982 Ford Mustang (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1982 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
