1981 Ford Thunderbird Base
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: Thunderbird 1980 by Matthewvg Matthew van Geene, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1980 Ford Thunderbird by JOHN LLOYD, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1980 Ford Thunderbid (37142983790)-cropped by Matthias v.d. Elbe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Ford Thunderbird 1980 by Soernieins, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Thunderbird1980interior by Matthewvg Matthew van Geene, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1981 Ford Thunderbird Base is a 115-hp 4.2-liter V8 with a 4-speed aod automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $7,961 MSRP.
It makes 115 horsepower.
The Thunderbird measures 200.4 inches long on a 108.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,166 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $7,961 ($28,463 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 4.2L Windsor V8 (255 cu in) |
| Displacement | 4.2 L |
| Horsepower | 115 hp |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed AOD automatic |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Four-link live axle, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brake Disc | Drums |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Tires Front | 195/75 R14 |
| Tires Rear | 195/75 R14 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 200.4 in |
| Width | 74.1 in |
| Height | 53 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.4 in |
| Front Track | 58.1 in |
| Rear Track | 57 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,166 lbs |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1981 Ford Thunderbird Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1981 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Aug 27, 2007 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
NHTSA campaign 07E064000
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1981 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.