2009 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 654 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1997 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
