1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (252 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 954 kg more than 1982 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Express | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2390 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2760 mm |
