2009 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 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:
2009 BMW M3 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | M3 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3934 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 249 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 295 Nm | 388 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |