1969 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1969 Chevrolet Impala. (166 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1969 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 183 kg more than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Chevrolet Impala. (387 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Impala | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 68 L |
