2005 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 325 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
