1981 BMW 745 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 142 kg more than 1982 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 745 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 745 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 745 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
