2008 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 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, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 175 kg more than 2008 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 2003 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. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW M3 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3934 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 339 HP | 249 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 388 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 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 |