2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 685 kg more than 1981 Mazda RX-7. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7. 2004 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1981 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1981 Mazda RX-7 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 | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
