1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 16 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, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 127 kg more than 2013 Nissan Z.
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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Z |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
