2006 BMW 325 vs. 1978 Ford Fiesta

To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2006 BMW 325 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 BMW 325 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta. 2006 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2006 BMW 325 1978 Ford Fiesta
Make BMW Ford
Model 325 Fiesta
Year Released 2006 1978
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2490 cc 956 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 184 HP 39 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 237 Nm 64 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 2700 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 74 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75 mm 55.7 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 8.3:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1450 kg 715 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 3570 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1570 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2300 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 34 L