1994 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1985 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1994 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 546 kg more than 1985 Nissan Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1994 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Santana, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1994 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Thunderbird | 1985 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Santana |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1985 |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2560 mm |
