1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender is newer by 9 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 18 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 220 kg more than 2006 Land Rover Defender. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | Defender |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 9 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
