1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Honda NSX
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 23 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, 1999 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 160 kg more than 1999 Honda NSX.
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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda NSX. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1999 Honda NSX 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 | 1999 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | NSX |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
