1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Porsche 996
To start off, 2003 Porsche 996 is newer by 7 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, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 100 kg more than 2003 Porsche 996.
Because 2003 Porsche 996 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, 2003 Porsche 996 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, 2003 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2003 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2003 Porsche 996 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 | 2003 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Thunderbird | 996 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
