1963 BMW 502 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1963 BMW 502. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 255 kg more than 1963 BMW 502. 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 502. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 502 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
