2009 BMW 120 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 325 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 120 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2880 mm |
