1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 398 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2012 BMW M5 (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 439 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | M5 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1455 mm |
