1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2960 mm |
