1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 BMW Z4
To start off, 2005 BMW Z4 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW Z4 (184 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 211 kg more than 2005 BMW Z4.
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 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW Z4. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2500 mm |
