2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 412 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Explorer | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 54 L |
