1989 Austin Montego vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Austin Montego is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1989 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 326 kg more than 1989 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1982 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Austin Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Austin Montego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Austin Montego. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1989 Austin Montego has manual transmission. 1989 Austin Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Austin Montego | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Montego | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
