1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 27 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, 2009 Honda Civic (198 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 98 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic.
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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (194 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic 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 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Civic |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
