1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 1989 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 28 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), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 654 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 1989 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 1300 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
