2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2005 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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 2005 Ford Transit Connect. (114 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 465 kg more than 2005 Ford Transit Connect. 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, 2005 Ford Transit Connect, 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 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Transit Connect. (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Transit Connect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
