1955 Chrysler 300 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chrysler 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chrysler 300 would be higher. At 5,425 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Chrysler 300 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1955 Chrysler 300 (477 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chrysler 300 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | 300 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5425 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 477 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2880 mm |
