2008 Ford Mustang vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 332 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang.
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, 2008 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
