2009 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 129 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
