1954 Buick 40 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1954 Buick 40. (193 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1954 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Buick 40. (410 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Buick 40 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | 40 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1710 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2880 mm |
