2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 330 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW Z4 | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | Z4 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 250 Nm | 291 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2880 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |