1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Saleen S7
To start off, 2007 Saleen S7 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 612 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 373 kg more than 2007 Saleen S7.
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, 2007 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 658 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | Ford | Saleen |
| Model | Thunderbird | S7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2692 mm |
