2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 6 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 4,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 45 kg more than 2009 Lexus IS.
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, 2009 Lexus IS (503 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Thunderbird | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 4969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 64 L |
