1980 Ford Capri vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1997 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Capri would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1980 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 624 kg more than 1980 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Capri | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Capri | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2880 mm |
