2008 BMW 320 vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 350 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
