1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2007 Nissan 350Z is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan 350Z (297 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2007 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
