1966 Ford 12 M vs. 1991 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 857 kg more than 1966 Ford 12 M. 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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford 12 M. (135 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 1991 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 12 M | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1699 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 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 | 895 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
