2009 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 13 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (397 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 54 kg more than 2009 Cadillac Escalade.
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, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (417 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Escalade | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 397 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
