2008 BMW M3 vs. 1969 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 7,029 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. (355 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2008 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. 1969 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1969 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 7029 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 91 L |
