1978 Ford Capri vs. 1990 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 440 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri.
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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (263 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1990 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Capri | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2880 mm |
