2006 Chrysler 300 vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2006 Chrysler 300 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chrysler 300 (335 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2006 Chrysler 300 (529 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chrysler 300 | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | 300 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3060 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
