1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Land Rover Freelander
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Freelander is newer by 23 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, 2012 Land Rover Freelander (158 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Freelander should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Freelander weights approximately 1094 kg more than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Land Rover Freelander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Freelander will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Land Rover Freelander (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Freelander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Land Rover Freelander | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | Freelander |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
