1956 BMW 503 vs. 1956 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, both 1956 BMW 503 and 1956 Ford Thunderbird were released in the same year (1956). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,784 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ford Thunderbird (209 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1956 Ford Thunderbird.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1956 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 503 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4784 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
