1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 319 kg more than 1976 BMW 3.3.
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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 BMW 3.3. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 BMW 3.3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3.3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
