1958 Ford Consul vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Consul would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1958 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 656 kg more than 1958 Ford Consul. 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Consul. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1958 Ford Consul has manual transmission. 1958 Ford Consul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Consul | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Consul | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1702 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 59 L |
