2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 205 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan 350Z. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Thunderbird | 350Z |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 306 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 363 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 76 L |