1973 Buick Centurion vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Centurion (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Centurion weights approximately 456 kg more than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1973 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Centurion | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Centurion | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2760 mm |
