1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1999 Panoz AIV is newer by 10 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 434 kg more than 1999 Panoz AIV.
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, 1999 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Thunderbird | AIV |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.2 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
