2009 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria.
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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. (263 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Crown Victoria. 1979 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1979 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 263 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2910 mm |
