2009 BMW 318 vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 57 kg more than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 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 | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
