1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Kia Rio
To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 25 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, 2007 Kia Rio (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 283 kg more than 2007 Kia Rio.
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, 2007 Kia Rio, 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 (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2007 Kia Rio 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 | 2007 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Rio |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1153 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
