1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 218 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
