2008 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Ford LTD
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford LTD would be higher. At 3,927 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1972 Ford LTD. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford LTD weights approximately 125 kg more than 2008 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, 1972 Ford LTD (376 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1972 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 1972 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1972 Ford LTD | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | LTD |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 83 L |
