1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Lexus GS
To start off, 1998 Lexus GS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus GS (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 42 kg more than 1997 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, 1998 Lexus GS (301 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1998 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Thunderbird | GS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
