1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Honda NSX
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 17 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 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 207 kg more than 1999 Honda NSX.
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, 1999 Honda NSX (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1999 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1999 Honda NSX 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 | 1999 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | NSX |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
