2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 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 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2011 BMW 530. (271 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 42 kg more than 2011 BMW 530. 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 Ford Thunderbird (369 Nm) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 530. (310 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | 530 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
