2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (265 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 262 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 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 (369 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
