1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1986 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Jeep Cherokee 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 51 more horse power than 1986 Jeep Cherokee. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1986 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 170 kg more than 1986 Jeep Cherokee. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Jeep Cherokee will offer significantly more control. 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 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Jeep Cherokee. (180 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Jeep Cherokee. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1986 Jeep Cherokee has manual transmission. 1986 Jeep Cherokee 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 | 1986 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
