1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra 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 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 522 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Sierra | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2760 mm |
