2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 Ford Mustang.
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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mustang. (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Mustang. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Ford Mustang | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4009 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 211 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 317 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |