2002 Buick Regal vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2002 Buick Regal is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. Both 2002 Buick Regal and 1997 Ford Thunderbird are equipped with a 3,791 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Buick Regal (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 60 kg more than 2002 Buick Regal.
Because 1997 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Buick Regal, 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, 2002 Buick Regal (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Buick Regal | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Regal | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
