2008 BMW 318 vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 17 kg more than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
