1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1967 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1967 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 548 kg more than 1967 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1982 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 Riley Kestrel, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1967 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Thunderbird | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1967 |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 25 L |
