2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2001 BMW Z8
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 167 kg more than 2001 BMW Z8.
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 BMW Z8 (500 Nm) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (369 Nm). This means 2001 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2001 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | Z8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 21.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 73 L |
