2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
