1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 29 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, 2011 BMW 325 (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 32 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 325 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
