1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute is newer by 33 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 Mazda Tribute.
Because 2009 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda Tribute. (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda Tribute.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Tribute |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
