Ford Mustang vs. Ford Thunderbird
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Mustang and Ford Thunderbird contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird.
When we compare the Ford Mustang's and the Ford Thunderbird's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Ford Thunderbird has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Mustang's and the Ford Thunderbird's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang is a better car than the Ford Thunderbird.
Pricing: A used 2005 Ford Mustang ranges from $4,995 to $26,992 while a used 2005 Ford Thunderbird is priced between $8,962 to $33,345.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Mustang’s base engine makes 210 horsepower, and the Ford Thunderbird base engine makes 280 horsepower. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 416 miles. The Thunderbird is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 396 miles. This gives the Ford Mustang the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Thunderbird. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Mustang and Ford Thunderbird are comparable in regards to front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24615
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
22388
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
19890 - 24615
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
38985
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
11808
Price Range:
4995 - 26992
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
11948
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
10988 - 13049
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
82
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
88881
# Good or Great Deals:
25
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
17803
Price Range:
8962 - 33345
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
37
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
65455
# Good or Great Deals:
13
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Ford Thunderbird Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Mustang
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Thunderbird
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.222702444101449
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.1 - 4.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4946879178063348
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Ford Mustang Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
14 out of / 14Ford Thunderbird Rankings
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Mustang Trim Levels
Not yet available
Ford Thunderbird Trim Levels
50th Anniversary Limited Edition, Deluxe
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
240 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
286 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.074 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 26 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
272 / 416 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.9 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
288 / 396 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
35 inches
Rear Leg Room:
30.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
40.5 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
8.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
52.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3351 lbs
Width:
74 inches
Height:
54.5 inches
Length:
187.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3780 lbs
Width:
72 inches
Height:
52.1 inches
Length:
186.3 inches
Wheelbase:
107.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/50R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clearcoat
Blue
Sonic Blue Clearcoat Metallic / Windveil Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Clearcoat Metallic
Green
Legend Lime Clearcoat Metallic
Red
Redfire Clearcoat Metallic / Torch Red Clearcoat
Silver
Satin Silver Clearcoat Metallic
White
Performance White Clearcoat
Yellow
Screaming Yellow Clearcoat
Gold
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Evening Black
Blue
Medium Steel Blue
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Torch Red
Silver
Platinum Silver
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Gold
Bronze
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Parchment
Gray
Dark Charcoal / Dark Charcoal w/Red Accent / Light Graphite
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Black
Black Ink
