1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2000 Lexus GS
To start off, 2000 Lexus GS is newer by 4 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 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lexus GS (279 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lexus GS weights approximately 122 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, 2000 Lexus GS (441 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2000 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Thunderbird | GS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 279 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
