1959 Corvette vs 1955 Thunderbird – which is best?

Corvette 69 Thunderbird 55

Two American classics battle for our hearts

Yes, you already know the answer, but it's still worth spending the next five minutes drooling over these two American classics.

These were the times when a brand-new '55 Ford Thunderbird could cost you $2,692, while a '59 Chevrolet Corvette would set you back $3,875. Two cars that were born to fight each other, starting a war that would rage on for decades.

Ford Thunderbird 56 vs Corvette 59

The superb Thunderbird had a 4.8 L V8 that developed 202 HP and 289 lb-ft (391 Nm), being capable of finishing the 0-60 mph sprint in 9.6 seconds. It also had an automatic or a manual transmission, a telescopic steering wheel and could hit up to 120 mph.

Ford Thunderbird 56 1

The Corvette had a rough start, but by 1959 it matured and had impressive stats: its 4.6 L V8 engine had 270 hp and delivered 285 lb-ft (386 Nm) of torque, going from 0-60 mph in just 8.3 seconds. It was lighter and agiler than the Thunderbird, and its design was influenced by the rocket age, with lots of cool features like the jet-inspired tachometer.

Corvette 59 1

Both cars have a place in our hearts, but if somebody wants to decide between them, the following video could help. It's worth watching until the end.

SEE MORE: The most beautiful cars of the 40s.