1998 BMW 318 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 420 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2880 mm |
