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BMW M3 vs Ford Thunderbird

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

BMW logo

2027 BMW M3

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Overview

SpecBMW M3SedanFord ThunderbirdDeluxe
Selected trimSedanDeluxe
Body styleSedanConvertible
Drivetrainrear wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (required)premium unleaded (required)
Transmission6-speed manual5-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20272005

Pricing & market

SpecBMW M3SedanFord ThunderbirdDeluxe
MSRP$79,300$38,355 (best)
Lowest listing price$35,831$16,747 (best)
Median listing price$81,340$16,871 (best)
Highest listing price$95,762$16,995 (best)
For sale now8 (best)2

Fuel economy & range

SpecBMW M3SedanFord ThunderbirdDeluxe
Combined MPG19 MPG (best)18 MPG
City MPG16 MPG16 MPG
Highway MPG23 MPG (best)22 MPG
Fuel tank15.6 gal18 gal (best)

Performance

SpecBMW M3SedanFord ThunderbirdDeluxe
Horsepower473 hp (best)280 hp
Torque406 lb-ft (best)286 lb-ft
Engine size3 L3.9 L (best)
CylindersI6V8

Size & capability

SpecBMW M3SedanFord ThunderbirdDeluxe
Seating5 seats (best)2 seats
Doors4 (best)2
Cargo volume16.9 cu ft (best)8.5 cu ft
Payload860 lbs (best)—
Curb weight3,840 lbs3,780 lbs (best)
Ground clearance4.7 in8 in (best)
Wheelbase112.5 in (best)107.2 in
Length189.1 in (best)186.3 in
Width74.3 in (best)72 in
Height56.6 in (best)52.1 in

Safety & recalls

SpecBMW M3SedanFord ThunderbirdDeluxe
NHTSA overall—Not Rated
Frontal crash (driver)—4 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)—Not Rated
Side pole—Not Rated
Rollover—Not Rated
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reported (best)1

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimBMW M3Ford Thunderbird
1

Sedan

$79,300 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Deluxe

$38,355 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Competition Sedan

$83,500 MSRP

Premium

$39,415 MSRP

3

Competition xDrive Sedan

$88,600 MSRP

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Live inventory

BMW M3 vs Ford Thunderbird FAQ

Which is better: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 BMW M3 vs 2005 Ford Thunderbird on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2005 Ford Thunderbird starts lower at $38,355. Live BMW M3 listings start at $35,831. Live Ford Thunderbird listings start at $16,747.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
The 2005 Ford Thunderbird leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,355).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
The 2027 BMW M3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (19).
Which has better horsepower: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
The 2027 BMW M3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (523).
Which has better seats: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
The 2027 BMW M3 leads on seats in this comparison (5).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 BMW M3 vs 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Thunderbird (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).