2009 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
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 Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus 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 318 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
