1957 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,112 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1957 Ford Thunderbird. (223 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 10 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Because 1957 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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. 2012 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1957 Ford Thunderbird has manual transmission. 1957 Ford Thunderbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5112 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2639 mm |
