2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2011 BMW 123. (202 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 123. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 260 kg more than 2011 BMW 123. 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, 2011 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 123 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 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 | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 51 L |
