1973 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
1973 BMW 3 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 3 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3153 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 203 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 287 Nm | 291 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 96.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2880 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |