2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (280 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 227 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (365 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z4 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
