2009 BMW 135 vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 58 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 135 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 54 L |
