Ford Thunderbird vs. Chevrolet Corvette
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Thunderbird and Chevrolet Corvette 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 Thunderbird and the Chevrolet Corvette.
When we compare the Ford Thunderbird's and the Chevrolet Corvette's specifications and ratings, the Ford Thunderbird has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Chevrolet Corvette has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Thunderbird's and the Chevrolet Corvette's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2005 Ford Thunderbird ranges from $9,904 to $29,899 while a used 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is priced between $16,989 to $30,990.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Thunderbird’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Corvette base engine makes 400 horsepower. The Thunderbird is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 396 miles. The Corvette is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 468 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Corvette the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Thunderbird. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Thunderbird has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more , and front shoulder room. The Chevrolet Corvette has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$38,985
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$52,245
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$68,521
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$34,220 - $151,245
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,602
Price Range:
$9,904 - $29,899
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
42
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
63,559
# Good or Great Deals:
8
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$23,911
Price Range:
$16,989 - $30,990
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$34,029
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$8,244 - $107,498
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
127
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
58,018
# Good or Great Deals:
21
Ford Thunderbird Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Chevrolet Corvette Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Corvette
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:
1.5
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
1 - 4.5
Ford Thunderbird Rankings
Not yet available
Chevrolet Corvette Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 41Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 41Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 41Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 41Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 41Ranking
17 out of / 41Ranking
17 out of / 32Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Thunderbird Trim Levels
50th Anniversary Limited Edition, Deluxe
Chevrolet Corvette Trim Levels
Base
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:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
286 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.074 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
400 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.125 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 26 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
288 / 468 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench 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
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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
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:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
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:
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
11 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
52.0 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3199 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
49.1 inches
Length:
174.6 inches
Wheelbase:
105.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P285/35ZR19
Exterior Colors
Black
Evening Black
Blue
Medium Steel Blue
Gold
Bronze
Red
Torch Red
Silver
Platinum Silver
Orange
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
LeMans Blue Metallic
Gold
Not available
Red
Magnetic Red Metallic / Precision Red / Victory Red
Silver
Machine Silver Metallic
Orange
Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic
White
Arctic White
Yellow
Millennium Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black Ink
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Beige
Cashmere
Gray
Steel Gray
Red
Red
