2009 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 80 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
