2009 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Ford Escort
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 Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort 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 369 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. 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 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
