2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 17 kg more than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. 2004 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 98 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Thunderbird | 98 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1728 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3210 mm |
