2005 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Toyota Century
To start off, 2005 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Century. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Century weights approximately 93 kg more than 2005 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Century. (270 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Century |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1712 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2870 mm |
