2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Ford GT 40
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 785 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40. 2004 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1972 Ford GT 40 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 | 1972 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 125 L |
