1987 Ford RS 200 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1987 Ford RS 200 is newer by 5 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, 1987 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 204 kg more than 1987 Ford RS 200.
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, 1987 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1987 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford RS 200 has manual transmission. 1987 Ford RS 200 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:
| 1987 Ford RS 200 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | RS 200 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1232 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
