2004 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 71 kg more than 2004 BMW M3.
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, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
