1996 BMW M3 vs. 1991 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 120 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1991 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
