2009 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Ford GT 40
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1972 Ford GT 40. (350 HP @ 7200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford GT 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40. 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) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1972 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 125 L |
