2009 BMW 318 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 182 kg more than 2009 BMW 318.
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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
