1988 BMW M3 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 6 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, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 248 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
