1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Sentra is newer by 12 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, 2008 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 785 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Nissan Sentra, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Sentra. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Sentra 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 | 2008 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
