1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2011 Dodge Charger is newer by 15 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Charger (370 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Charger weights approximately 309 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.
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, 2011 Dodge Charger (535 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Thunderbird | Charger |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 535 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1929 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
