2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Toyota MR2 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 109 more horse power than 1999 Toyota MR2. (140 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 805 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2. 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 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota MR2. (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota MR2. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1999 Toyota MR2 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 | 1999 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 48 L |
