1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1985 TVR 390
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 TVR 390. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 TVR 390 would be higher. At 3,905 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 TVR 390 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 TVR 390 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 TVR 390 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 513 kg more than 1985 TVR 390.
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, 1985 TVR 390 (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 TVR 390 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1985 TVR 390 has manual transmission. 1985 TVR 390 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 | 1985 TVR 390 | |
| Make | Ford | TVR |
| Model | Thunderbird | 390 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 89.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.1 mm |
| 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 | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
