1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 24 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, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 85 kg more than 2012 BMW 335.
Because 2012 BMW 335 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 will offer significantly more control. 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 335. (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 335.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 335 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2810 mm |
