2004 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 604 kg more than 1972 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, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
