1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2012 Toyota Camry 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Camry (178 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 173 kg more than 2012 Toyota Camry.
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, 2012 Toyota Camry, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Camry. (230 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Camry |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1447 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4806 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
