1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 58 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.
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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1672 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
