2008 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 316 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1988 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2560 mm |
