1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 28 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 228 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2616 cc |
Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 317 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1392 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |