1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW 328
To start off, 2011 BMW 328 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 328 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 328 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 328 will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 328. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 328. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 328 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 328 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 328 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
