1952 BMW 501 vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 335 kg more than 1952 BMW 501. 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. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1952 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1952 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2880 mm |
