2002 Ford Explorer vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 319 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Explorer | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
