1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2011 Ford Mondeo is newer by 25 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mondeo (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 254 kg more than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
