1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 10 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, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 278 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.
Because 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Thunderbird | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1898 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
