1971 BMW Touring vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW Touring. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW Touring would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1971 BMW Touring. (85 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW Touring. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 590 kg more than 1971 BMW Touring. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW Touring. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW Touring.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW Touring | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Touring | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
