2009 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (233 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 196 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Impala | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3899 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 233 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
