2006 BMW 330 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 18 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, 2006 BMW 330 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 25 kg more than 2006 BMW 330.
Because 2006 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 330 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
