1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2011 Mazda BT-50 is newer by 24 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda BT-50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2011 Mazda BT-50. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda BT-50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda BT-50 weights approximately 930 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 2011 Mazda BT-50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda BT-50 will offer significantly more control. 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 Mazda BT-50 (330 Nm) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 2011 Mazda BT-50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 1866 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 70 L |
