USA vs West Germany — 1955 vs 1956
| Thunderbird | 507 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 198 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 286 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,785 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,050 lbs | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,565 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 4,455 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 53,166 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | $2,944 | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
The 1956 BMW 507 Roadster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird 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 West Germany craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird and 1956 BMW 507 Roadster embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird 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 (Y-block) 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 Roadster edges ahead at 9.0 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Ford Thunderbird's 53,166 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1955 Ford Thunderbird, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.