2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1982 Lada Niva
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lada Niva 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 173 more horse power than 1982 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1982 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 595 kg more than 1982 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Lada Niva 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lada Niva. 2004 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1982 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1982 Lada Niva 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 | 1982 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Thunderbird | Niva |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 43 L |
