1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 10 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 80 kg more than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (353 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2006 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
