2008 Ferrari F430 vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 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 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 95 kg more than 2008 Ferrari F430.
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 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 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 Ferrari F430 has manual transmission. 2008 Ferrari F430 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 Ferrari F430 | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | F430 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4309 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 490 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 60 L |
