1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Suzuki Esteem
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Esteem is newer by 20 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 37 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. (98 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 630 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Esteem, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 Suzuki Esteem has manual transmission. 1996 Suzuki Esteem 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 | 1996 Suzuki Esteem | |
Make | Ford | Suzuki |
Model | Thunderbird | Esteem |
Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1590 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 98 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 317 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1380 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2490 mm |