2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1990 Rover 400
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Rover 400 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 134 more horse power than 1990 Rover 400. (115 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1990 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 670 kg more than 1990 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400, 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (144 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1990 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1990 Rover 400 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 | 1990 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | 400 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
