1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 376 kg more than 1995 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 550 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2968 mm |
