1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2002 Ford Falcon is newer by 13 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 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Falcon (221 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 99 kg more than 2002 Ford Falcon.
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, 2002 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
