2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 12 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, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 252 kg more than 2013 Nissan Z.
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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Nissan Z. (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Nissan Z. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2013 Nissan Z has manual transmission. 2013 Nissan Z 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 | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Z |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 11:01:00 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
