1999 BMW Z8 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1999 BMW Z8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 228 kg more than 1999 BMW Z8.
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, 1999 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z8 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |
