2002 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L V8 0-60 MPH

Uploading from my main channel, Matty H.

This car I remember pretty well. I had never actually seen one up close, and of course hadn't sat in one either. It is small. I am a big guy, 6'4, but the interior space in this car felt to me like it rivaled the S2000 and NA/NB MIata. I just had ZERO room.

It drove better than I thought it would too, and that little V8 packs quite a punch, but I'll never understand Ford's gearing choice for this 5 speed automatic. First gear is tall, then second is the SHORTEST GEAR EVER. I imagine they did that ONLY to improve 0-60 times.

[lucyfan]

I'll tell you those 5 speed autos were geared great back in the day. Coming from all those 4 speed slush boxes these 5's were fantastic. Granted today its 8, 9 and 10 but the first 3 gears were tight and then by 4 they needed to drop off to set up for 5 OD. Great sounding engine though

[rodom]

Wow I thought my 4.7 V8 was a small displacement haha

[brianspangler]

Damn, that's a quick little car, high revving little engine too.

[phili]

All crossplane crank V8s sound great, whatever their displacement

[antafanboy]

I love little V8s they make such fun sounds like aw he's trying his best and doing a great job

[Areodactyl]

Wow. That sounds really good for a 3.9 liter.

[philhenke]

The retro t-bird is not a sports car so should not be critiqued as one. They were marketed as a boulevard cruiser and for that they do very well. Throaty exhaust, comfort, and unique styling add up to a head-turning package that's fun to drive. I have an anniversary edition and love driving it on warm sunny days with the top down.

[CheesusSVT]

Its not a racecar, but it is enough to enjoy the road, without going to jail in 2 seconds. Nice pulls. :D

[callang]

gearing is quick for a 5spd, but 1st ending at ~40 2nd ending at ~60 is quite common for 6spds below 350hp in the past 20 years

It makes the car feel more powerful, and it makes it better for comfortable driving.

If it were for the 0-60 time solely, I'd assume they'd habe 2nd gear end at 60-70mph

[Thanson]

Not bad at all for a tiny v8. Two 2.0L four cylinders

[fordgtjr]

Look at that thunderchicken go! Would be cool if they made a more sporty version. Like the SC back in the 90s.

[ESPLTD]

Hell yeah the 90’s ones with the 4.6L are awesome too. But they’re not very common for some reason

[DavidFlorida]

Very nice. The 2003-2005 actually had a bump in horsepower to 280. Definitely respectable numbers for a boulevard cruising roadster.

[SVTStrikesback]

It would have been nice to see one with the full Jag supercharged set up. Those XJR’s were fast for the day.

[legioner]

This car is very nice. I can only imagine seeing one here in Europe on the street. Everybody would turn their head.

[alibobobaba]

He’s like “ meh, might as well hit 90” lol

[RyanRoadReaper]

I have the same V8 in my 2002 Lincoln LS. Everytime I think of selling it, I drive it, and I just know that I wont be able to find something equal or better to replace it with for what I paid for mine.

[lethargicstove]

This thing sounds like it could hit 8k rpm easily

[mikefordguy]

I think ford could have tweaked it to 300hp. Good engine once the defective valve covers are fixed as they leak and mess up the coil packs. Had my 2003 Thunderbird since new and have only 24k on the car. I know a fella with an 2002 Lincoln LS he has 200k on his original motor.

[Celatrec]

If anybody wants this thunderbird, just get a lincoln ls v8. Same exact platform and power train.