1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1997 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 238 kg more than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
