1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1961 MG Midget
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG Midget would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1961 MG Midget. (46 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1961 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 875 kg more than 1961 MG Midget. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG Midget. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG Midget.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1961 MG Midget | |
| Make | Ford | MG |
| Model | Thunderbird | Midget |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 46 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1372 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1232 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2032 mm |
