1956 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 50 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, 1956 Ford Thunderbird (223 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (203 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 205 kg more than 1956 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 2006 Ford Five Hundred is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred will offer significantly more control. 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. 2006 Ford Five Hundred 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. 2006 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5112 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2870 mm |
