1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda RX-2 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 20 more horse power than 1975 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 660 kg more than 1975 Mazda RX-2. 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 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2480 mm |
