1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 905 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
