1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1971 Jaguar E-Type
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jaguar E-Type. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jaguar E-Type would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1971 Jaguar E-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jaguar E-Type (272 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jaguar E-Type should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 121 kg more than 1971 Jaguar E-Type.
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 Jaguar E-Type (420 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1971 Jaguar E-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1971 Jaguar E-Type has manual transmission. 1971 Jaguar E-Type will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 1971 Jaguar E-Type | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Thunderbird | E-Type |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
