2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Ford Focus
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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 120 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 415 kg more than 2002 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Focus. (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Focus. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Focus 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 | 2002 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Focus |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
