2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Porsche 996
To start off, 2002 Porsche 996 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, 2002 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 260 kg more than 2002 Porsche 996.
Because 2002 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Porsche 996. (371 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Porsche 996. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2002 Porsche 996 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 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Thunderbird | 996 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
