2004 BMW 535 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 74 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2004 BMW 535 (561 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 535 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 561 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
