1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1976 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort 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 93 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 738 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. 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 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1976 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Escort |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
