1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2001 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (79 HP @ 5350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 587 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2001 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Thunderbird | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2490 mm |
