2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 McLaren F1
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 McLaren F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 McLaren F1 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 576 kg more than 1998 McLaren F1.
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, 1998 McLaren F1 (649 Nm) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (369 Nm). This means 1998 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1998 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Ford | McLaren |
| Model | Thunderbird | F1 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
