1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Honda Accord
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord is newer by 6 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, 2002 Honda Accord (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 228 kg more than 2002 Honda Accord.
Because 1996 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Accord. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Accord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
