1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1966 Saab 96
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Saab 96. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Saab 96 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1966 Saab 96. (63 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1966 Saab 96. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 674 kg more than 1966 Saab 96. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Saab 96, 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Saab 96. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Saab 96. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1966 Saab 96 has manual transmission. 1966 Saab 96 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1966 Saab 96 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Thunderbird | 96 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 58.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
