1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Subaru Forester
To start off, 1999 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 160 kg more than 1999 Subaru Forester.
Because 1999 Subaru Forester 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, 1999 Subaru Forester 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Subaru Forester. (240 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Thunderbird | Forester |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2530 mm |
