1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 36 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, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1976 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. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 525 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2968 mm |
