2009 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 115 kg more than 2009 BMW 330.
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 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 330 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
