2001 Dodge Stratus vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 Dodge Stratus is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Stratus (200 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Stratus should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Stratus weights approximately 87 kg more than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Stratus, 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, 2001 Dodge Stratus (263 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Stratus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Stratus | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Stratus | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2736 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 80 L |
