2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 GMC Sierra

To start off, 2011 GMC Sierra is newer by 10 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 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 GMC Sierra (353 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 GMC Sierra weights approximately 914 kg more than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2011 GMC Sierra 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, 2011 GMC Sierra 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, 2011 GMC Sierra (506 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Thunderbird.

Compare all specifications:

2001 Ford Thunderbird 2011 GMC Sierra
Make Ford GMC
Model Thunderbird Sierra
Year Released 2001 2011
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3933 cc 6000 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 249 HP 353 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5400 RPM
Torque 388 Nm 506 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.6:1 9.6:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1745 kg 2659 kg
Vehicle Length 4740 mm 5720 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 2440 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1960 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 3380 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 59 L 129 L