1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 13 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 546 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 79 L |
