2007 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP) has 281 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1981 Ford Taunus. 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, 2007 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 1981 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 57 HP |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
