1985 Ford Mustang vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1985 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Mustang (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 268 kg more than 1985 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1985 Ford Mustang (285 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
