1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2003 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (63 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 535 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai 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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2003 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 2003 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Thunderbird | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2490 mm |
