2002 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (131 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 388 kg more than 2002 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Focus, 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Focus. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Focus 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 Focus | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Focus | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 131 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 291 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 96.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1232 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2880 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 60 L |