1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2005 Panoz AIV is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Panoz AIV weights approximately 244 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2005 Panoz AIV (408 Nm) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 2005 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Thunderbird | AIV |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 59 L |
