2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 4 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 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 638 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. 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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 2004 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus 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 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Focus |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 51 L |
