2004 BMW 118 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 25 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 478 kg more than 2004 BMW 118. 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 118 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
