1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW 730
To start off, 2011 BMW 730 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 730 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 730 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1997 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, 2011 BMW 730 (540 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 730 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 82 L |
