1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1987 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1987 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 69 kg more than 1987 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, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 1971 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1987 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 116 L |
