2008 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 5 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 350 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
