1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Honda Civic
To start off, 2007 Honda Civic is newer by 11 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, 2007 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2007 Honda Civic, 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Civic. (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Civic. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2007 Honda Civic 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 | 2007 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
