1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Opel Omega
To start off, 1999 Opel Omega is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Omega (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Omega should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Omega weights approximately 65 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Omega. (220 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Omega. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Opel Omega has manual transmission. 1999 Opel Omega 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 | 1999 Opel Omega | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Omega |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
