1963 Ford Zodiac vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 166 kg more than 1963 Ford Zodiac.
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 (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Zodiac. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1963 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1963 Ford Zodiac 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:
| 1963 Ford Zodiac | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
