1988 BMW 316 vs. 1993 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1993 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1993 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, 1993 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1993 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 316 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2880 mm |
