2009 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 185 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (251 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
