1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 BMW 316
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 18 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 145 kg more than 2006 BMW 316. 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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 316 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
