1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 136 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 471 kg more than 1995 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. 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 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Patrol. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 | 1981 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2980 mm |
