2009 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Ford Granada

To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada 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 302 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. 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 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1981 Ford Granada 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. 1981 Ford Granada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 BMW M3 1981 Ford Granada
Make BMW Ford
Model M3 Granada
Year Released 2009 1981
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3999 cc 2292 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 414 HP 112 HP
Engine RPM 8300 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 401 Nm 176 Nm
Torque RPM 3900 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 92 mm 90 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75.2 mm 60.1 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1385 kg 1340 kg
Vehicle Length 4620 mm 4890 mm
Vehicle Width 1420 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1810 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2780 mm