1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 209 kg more than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
