2009 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford 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 324 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
