1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW 520 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Thunderbird | 520 |
Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 317 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2968 mm |