1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1994 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1994 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 265 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
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 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1994 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2880 mm |
