2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 97 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (369 Nm). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Thunderbird | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
