1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 67 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang.
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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
