1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 282 kg more than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
