1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac ATS is newer by 17 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, 2013 Cadillac ATS (268 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac ATS should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 90 kg more than 2013 Cadillac ATS.
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, 2013 Cadillac ATS (353 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac ATS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Cadillac ATS | |
| Make | Ford | Cadillac |
| Model | Thunderbird | ATS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4643 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
