1981 BMW 525 vs. 1994 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1994 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 1994 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1994 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
