2004 BMW Z4 vs. 1989 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 318 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4.
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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 1989 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z4 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
