1979 BMW 728 vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 728. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 728 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 728 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 728 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 728 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW 728 weights approximately 92 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 728. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 728.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 728 | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 728 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 54 L |
