2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 135 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Thunderbird | Z4 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 335 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4242 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1791 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1285 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2497 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |