1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 705 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Exige |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| 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 | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
