1969 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 7,029 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Ford Thunderbird (355 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Thunderbird. 1969 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2012 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | Defender |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7029 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 75 L |
