2009 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 233 kg more than 2009 BMW 320.
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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
