2006 BMW 530 vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 2 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 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530.
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 (388 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 530. (298 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 530 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
