2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 10 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 60 kg more than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Thunderbird | 3 Series |
Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 296 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 407 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.2 :1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1961 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1395 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 61 L |