2008 BMW M3 vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1977 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
