1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 218 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
