1956 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,112 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII (290 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1956 Ford Thunderbird. (223 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 2247 kg more than 1956 Ford Thunderbird. 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. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII has automatic transmission and 1956 Ford Thunderbird has manual transmission. 1956 Ford Thunderbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Thunderbird | 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Thunderbird | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5112 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5263 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2870 mm |
