2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 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 111 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sorento. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 311 kg more than 2003 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 2008 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento will offer significantly more control. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sorento. (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sorento. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sorento 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 | 2008 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 2056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
