1988 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 44 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 520 | 1989 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 520 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 291 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1614 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2880 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |