1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Lexus IS
To start off, 2007 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (205 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lexus IS weights approximately 145 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Thunderbird | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
