2009 BMW 135 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 162 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.
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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 135 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
