2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 310 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
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 Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z4 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
