1998 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 459 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1987 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 116 L |
