1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (64 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 488 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (93 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1961 Fiat 1300 has manual transmission. 1961 Fiat 1300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 1300 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
