1972 Chrysler Charger vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chrysler Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chrysler Charger would be higher. At 5,561 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chrysler Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chrysler Charger (276 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chrysler Charger should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 137 kg more than 1972 Chrysler Charger.
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, 1972 Chrysler Charger (459 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1972 Chrysler Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1972 Chrysler Charger has manual transmission. 1972 Chrysler Charger 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:
| 1972 Chrysler Charger | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5561 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2760 mm |
