2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Montana is newer by 2 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 64 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Montana. (185 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Montana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 25 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Montana. 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, 2003 Pontiac Montana, 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Montana. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Montana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Montana |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 76 L |
