1996 BMW 325 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 BMW 325 is newer by 8 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, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 221 kg more than 1996 BMW 325.
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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 325. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
