1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Opel Speedster
To start off, 1998 Opel Speedster is newer by 16 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, 1998 Opel Speedster (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 503 kg more than 1998 Opel Speedster.
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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Speedster. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Speedster. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Speedster has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Speedster 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 | 1998 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
