2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Thunderbird | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 3686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
