1979 Ford LTD vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD.
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 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford LTD. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford LTD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | LTD | 535 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
