2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima

To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Maxima. (261 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 157 kg more than 2005 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2004 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Maxima. (346 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Maxima.

Compare all specifications:

2004 Ford Thunderbird 2005 Nissan Maxima
Make Ford Nissan
Model Thunderbird Maxima
Year Released 2004 2005
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3933 cc 3498 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 280 HP 261 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 388 Nm 346 Nm
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1712 kg 1555 kg
Vehicle Length 4740 mm 4920 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2490 mm 2830 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 76 L