1999 BMW 323 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 147 kg more than 1999 BMW 323.
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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
