2005 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 2 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, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 55 kg more than 2005 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW M3. (337 Nm). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
