2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 294 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
