1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1981 Dodge Mirada is newer by 5 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 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 80 kg more than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Mirada | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2760 mm |
