1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 1999 Oldsmobile Alero 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Oldsmobile Alero (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Oldsmobile Alero should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 78 kg more than 1999 Oldsmobile Alero.
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, 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Oldsmobile Alero has manual transmission. 1999 Oldsmobile Alero 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 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Thunderbird | Alero |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
