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.
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 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 235 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 | 295 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
