Are these cars similar to the "Tornado" at Strickers?

It was the Mighty Canadian Minebuster at Canada's Wonderland that was VERY loosely based on The Shooting Star, and Wilde Beaste (now Wild Beast) was VERY loosely based on The Wildcat (as was Grizzly at Kings Dominion).

Racer was known as The Twin Racers in the early years, it was only later that one side was reversed.

As for being made longer, I have no idea what you meant!

Are these cars similar to the "Tornado" at Strickers?

Yes, but without some of the modern changes that PTC made to the trains in recent years (such as high density urethane foam).

Just thinking about rides like the Thunderbolt, Screechin Eagle, Giant Dipper, etc. just gives you chills. Then thinking about the restraints now. Yuck!

Some coasters still operate with flip down bars. like Kennywood's Racer and Thunderbolt (and Jack Rabbit still has stationary bars and bridle belts!), Six Flags Great Adventure's Rolling Thunder, Camden Park's and Geauga Lake's Big Dippers, Cornball Express at Indiana Beach, etc.