1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 273 kg more than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 80 L |
