1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1973 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1973 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 700 kg more than 1973 Opel Ascona. 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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Thunderbird | 1973 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2440 mm |
