2008 BMW 550 vs. 1991 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1991 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3791 cc |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
