1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 26 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 40 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Ford | Acura |
| Model | Thunderbird | CL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
