1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS is newer by 19 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, 2001 Lexus IS (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus IS weights approximately 32 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.
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, 2001 Lexus IS (298 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm). This means 2001 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2001 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2001 Lexus IS 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 | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Thunderbird | IS |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |
