2009 BMW 550 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 517 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 54 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 550 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 550 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3797 cc |
Horse Power | 657 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 490 Nm | 292 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1606 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 |