1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1968 Ford 17
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 494 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1968 Ford 17 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | 17 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
