1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2012 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 16 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ascari KZ1 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 270 kg more than 2012 Ascari KZ1.
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, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ascari KZ1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2012 Ascari KZ1 has manual transmission. 2012 Ascari KZ1 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 | 2012 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Ford | Ascari |
| Model | Thunderbird | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2636 mm |
