2009 BMW 530 vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 98 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 530 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
