2003 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 105 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 4655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
