2007 BMW 530 vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 530 | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 530 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
