2003 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 7 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 81 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 875 kg more than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. 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, 2003 Daihatsu Charade, 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Charade | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Ford |
| Model | Charade | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 989 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
