1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 188 kg more than 2012 BMW 335.
Because 2012 BMW 335 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 will offer significantly more control. 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 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 335 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 335 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
