2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1986 Opel Senator
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Opel Senator 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 135 more horse power than 1986 Opel Senator. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 425 kg more than 1986 Opel Senator. 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 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Senator. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 1986 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Senator |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
