1990 Ford Fairlane vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,948 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1990 Ford Fairlane. (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 190 kg more than 1990 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Fairlane. (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3948 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2730 mm |
