1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 31 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 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 424 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
