2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Dodge Challenger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Challenger is newer by 11 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, 2012 Dodge Challenger (305 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 6 kg more than 2012 Dodge Challenger.
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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Challenger. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Dodge Challenger | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Thunderbird | Challenger |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1739 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5022 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1923 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
