1988 BMW M5 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 M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1989 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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M5 | 1989 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | M5 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 360 Nm | 291 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1614 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2880 mm |