2008 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mustang. 1996 Ford Mustang 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. 1996 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
