1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 117 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.
Because 2006 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 525 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
