1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1995 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 1 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 302 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 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:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1995 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1604 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
