1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1971 Datsun 240Z
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Datsun 240Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Datsun 240Z would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1971 Datsun 240Z. (151 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1971 Datsun 240Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 642 kg more than 1971 Datsun 240Z. 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Datsun 240Z. (198 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Datsun 240Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1971 Datsun 240Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Thunderbird | 240Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2300 mm |
