2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Tatra T613
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Tatra T613. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Tatra T613 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Tatra T613. (167 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Tatra T613. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 53 kg more than 1978 Tatra T613. 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Tatra T613. (270 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Tatra T613. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1978 Tatra T613 has manual transmission. 1978 Tatra T613 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Tatra T613 | |
| Make | Ford | Tatra |
| Model | Thunderbird | T613 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2990 mm |
