1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 11 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, 2008 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 80 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima.
Because 1997 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Altima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
