1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Kia Retona
To start off, 1999 Kia Retona is newer by 2 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1999 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Retona weights approximately 250 kg more than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1999 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Retona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Retona |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2370 mm |
