2009 BMW M3 vs. 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina 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 309 more horse power than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Lotus Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
