1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1997 Toyota Previa
To start off, 1997 Toyota Previa is newer by 15 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, 1997 Toyota Previa (132 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Previa weights approximately 172 kg more than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1997 Toyota Previa, 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Previa. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Previa. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Previa has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Previa 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 | 1997 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Previa |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
