1956 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,112 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1956 Ford Thunderbird. (223 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Thunderbird.
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. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1956 Ford Thunderbird has manual transmission. 1956 Ford Thunderbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 535 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5112 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
