Different oil filter for 2003?

[Exit32]

I own a 2002 T-Bird, and, per the owners manual, it takes the Motorcraft FL-2008 oil filter. With the introduction of the 2003 T-Bird, I believe Ford now specifies a different Motorcraft FL-218 oil filter for the new car. Because the 3.9-liter V8 engine is common to both 2002 and 2003 models, I'm wondering why Ford changed the oil-filter requirement. Does anyone here know? Can I use the new FL-218 oil filter on my 2002 T-Bird? Is the new FL-218 better than the old FL-20008 filter?

 

[Jarek]

I've just checked with www.motorcraft.com.
For 2002 t-bird 3.9l V8 Vin:A they are listing both filters: FL-218 and FL-2008 as acceptable filters. No additional information on the differance is given.