1951 Ford Vedette vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Vedette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Vedette would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1951 Ford Vedette. (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Vedette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 250 kg more than 1951 Ford Vedette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Vedette. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Vedette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Vedette | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Vedette | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2650 mm |
