1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1989 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1989 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 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 1989 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | 400 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 45 L |
