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Ford Thunderbird Super Birds 3.8 i V6 (141 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)
Super Birds Overview:
Ford Thunderbird (Super Birds). With 292 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1619 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.8 i V6 (141 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The base 3.8L V6 provides adequate power for daily commuting and relaxed driving, but lacks the spirited performance of its more powerful siblings, offering a more sedate experience.
Fuel Economy
With a stated 12 l/100 km, this V6 offers reasonable, though not outstanding, fuel economy for a car of its size and age, making it a more economical choice than the performance variants.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive American styling and road presence
- • Comfortable and spacious interior, ideal for cruising
- • Availability of powerful Supercharged V6 and V8 engines
- • Smooth ride quality, especially on highways
- • Good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be poor, especially with V8 and Supercharged V6
- • Handling can feel soft and less precise on non-SC models
- • Interior materials and build quality are typical of its era, not premium
- • Age-related maintenance and parts availability can be a concern
- • Rear visibility can be limited due to coupe design
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Aero Birds: 1983 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Thunderbird |
| Generation: | Super Birds |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 i V6 (141 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 141 Hp @ 3800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 37.1 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 292 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3797 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.8 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.5 kg/Hp, 87.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 180.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1619 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 72 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5088 mm [45mm less] |
| Width: | 1847 mm [41mm more] |
| Height: | 1333 mm [23mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2870 mm [223mm more] |
| Front track: | 1560 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R15 H |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Ford Thunderbird? Tell us in the comments!