1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 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 192 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 840 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. 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 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1200 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1200 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:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 1200 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 59 L |
