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Ford Thunderbird Retro Birds 4.0 i V8 32V (283 Hp)
Overall Rating
Ford Thunderbird:
The Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for model years 1955 to 2005, with a hiatus from 1998 to 2001.
Ultimately gaining a broadly used colloquial nickname, the T-Bird, the model was introduced as a two-seat convertible, subsequently offered variously in a host of body styles including as a four-seat hardtop coupe, four-seat convertible, five-seat convertible and hardtop, four-door pillared hardtop sedan, six-passenger hardtop coupe, and five-passenger pillared coupe, before returning in its final generation, again as a two-seat convertible....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Retro Birds Overview:
Ford Thunderbird (Retro Birds). With 388 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1748 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.8 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
4.0 i V8 32V (283 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 283 Hp V8 provides strong, smooth acceleration, making it well-suited for highway cruising and spirited driving. It's the more potent option, offering a noticeable performance edge.
Fuel Economy
As a V8, fuel economy is moderate, with urban consumption around 13.8 l/100 km. It's acceptable for a car of its size and engine type, but not a strong point.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive retro styling and classic appeal
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for cruising
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engine options
- • Convertible top enhances open-air driving experience
- • Generally good build quality for its era
Cons:
- • Limited rear visibility with the top up
- • Not designed for sporty handling or track performance
- • Fuel economy is typical for a V8, not economical
- • Small trunk space, especially for a road trip
- • Some interior plastics feel dated compared to modern cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Retro Birds: 2001 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Thunderbird |
| Generation: | Retro Birds |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.0 i V8 32V (283 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 283 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.6 Hp/l [2mm less] |
| Torque: | 388 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AJ35 More details about the engine AJ35 |
| Engine displacement: | 3950 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.2 l |
| Coolant: | 11.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 222 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1748 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 240 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 190 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4730 mm [2mm less] |
| Width: | 1829 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1323 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2723 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1540 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1530 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/50 R17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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