2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
To start off, 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is newer by 10 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser (256 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser weights approximately 218 kg more than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser. (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | FJ Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1963 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
