1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 BMW 125
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 29 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 125. (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 125 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
