USA vs Germany — 1955 vs 1956
| Thunderbird Two-Seat | 507 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 198 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 286 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,785 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 sec | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 114 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,591 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 4,451 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 16,155 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $85,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
The 1956 BMW 507 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird Two-Seat counters with more power, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
When USA engineering meets Germany craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird Two-Seat and 1956 BMW 507 embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird Two-Seat holds a clear advantage in raw power with 198 hp compared to 150 hp, a 48-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Thunderbird uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 4,785 cc, while the BMW 507 relies on a V8 OHV with 3,168 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 BMW 507 edges ahead at 9.0 seconds versus 10.2 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1956 BMW 507 is considerably scarcer than the Ford Thunderbird's 16,155 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW 507 commands a significant premium over the 1955 Ford Thunderbird Two-Seat, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1956 BMW 507 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.