1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 792 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-2. 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 (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2480 mm |
