2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 9 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 640 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Thunderbird | Silverado |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 98 L |
