1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Toyota Corolla is newer by 14 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (71 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 353 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1996 Toyota Corolla, 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 (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Corolla 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 | 1996 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2470 mm |
