1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 25 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 736 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 1672 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
