1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1965 AC Cobra
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC Cobra (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 604 kg more than 1965 AC Cobra.
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, 1965 AC Cobra (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1965 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1965 AC Cobra | |
| Make | Ford | AC |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cobra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4737 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
