2008 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang is newer by 12 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (315 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 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, 2008 Ford Mustang (441 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 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. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Ford Mustang | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4605 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 315 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 441 Nm | 291 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 96.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |