1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Renault 5
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 5 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 95 more horse power than 1972 Renault 5. (43 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 885 kg more than 1972 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Renault 5, 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 5. (64 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Thunderbird | 5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
