2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1989 Porsche 944
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Porsche 944 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 89 more horse power than 1989 Porsche 944. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 485 kg more than 1989 Porsche 944. 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Porsche 944. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Porsche 944. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1989 Porsche 944 has manual transmission. 1989 Porsche 944 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 | 1989 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Thunderbird | 944 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 66 L |
