1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Toyota Previa
To start off, 2003 Toyota Previa is newer by 21 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 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Previa (157 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Previa weights approximately 89 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.
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, 2003 Toyota Previa, 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, 2003 Toyota Previa (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Previa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota Previa has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota Previa 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 | 2003 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Previa |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2900 mm |
