1989 Ford Escort vs. 1969 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 7,029 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Ford Thunderbird (355 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (61 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
Because 1969 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 1969 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort, 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, 1969 Ford Thunderbird (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort. 1969 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1969 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 7029 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 91 L |
