1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 2005 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 569 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 2005 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 3932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
