1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Holden Gemini
To start off, 1981 Holden Gemini is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Holden Gemini. (67 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 665 kg more than 1981 Holden Gemini. 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Gemini. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Gemini. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1981 Holden Gemini has manual transmission. 1981 Holden Gemini 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 | 1981 Holden Gemini | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Thunderbird | Gemini |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
