1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1952 Porsche 356
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 840 kg more than 1952 Porsche 356. 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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Porsche 356. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Porsche 356. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1952 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1952 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1952 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Thunderbird | 356 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 79 L |
