1996 BMW 528 vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 528 would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 BMW 528. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 17 kg more than 1996 BMW 528. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 528. (280 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 528 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
