Performance Review: Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Thunderbird Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 is the 5 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2001. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2001 Lamborghini Diablo GTR 6.0L V12 and the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12.This particular Ford Thunderbird has a 3950cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Thunderbird shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Thunderbird's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1712 kgs (3774 lbs) this makes the Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Thunderbird shares the same bhp with the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp)

In terms of power the 3950cc 32V V8 engine produces 252 bhp (187 kW) @ 6100 rpm similar to the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp) or the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 267 lb-ft (362.0 Nm) @ 4300 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft) or the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ford Thunderbird you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (172.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Thunderbird.

The Ford Thunderbird has a Power to weight ratio of 147.1 bhp per ton and 155.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 Thunderbird competing with the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (172.0 bhp per ton) or the 2009 Audi TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-Line (172.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ford Thunderbird generating around 155.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2007 Toyota Aurion TRD 3.5 V6 Supercharged (180.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III (180.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this made the Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 as fast as the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs) the or the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs). This Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 is also faster than the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the and the 2010 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI DSG (6.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Thunderbird and the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TSI 4Motion

When talking about the performance of the Ford Thunderbird on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.63 secs @ 87.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TSI 4Motion (15.56 secs), the 1972 Lamborghini Urraco 2.5L V8 P250 (15.57 secs), and the 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix 5.9 V8 360 Hardtop (15.57 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2001 version of the Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 has a maximum speed of 150mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 Thunderbird equals the 2013 Porsche Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6 Turbo (161 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2001 Ford Thunderbird 4.0L V8 then how about the 2013 Porsche Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6 Turbo (161 mph), the 2013 Porsche Panamera 3.6 V6 (161 mph), or the 2011 Radical SR3 SL 2.0 Turbo (161 mph).

Related Links:

2001 Thunderbird Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison