1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 214 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2703 mm |
