2001 BMW M vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 22 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, 2001 BMW M (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 438 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M 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:
| 2001 BMW M | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3300 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 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 | 1375 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
