1996 BMW 528 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 BMW 528 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 528 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 247 kg more than 1982 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, 1996 BMW 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 528 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
