1959 Berkeley QB vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird

To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP) has 161 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1329 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Berkeley QB 1988 Ford Thunderbird
Make Berkeley Ford
Model QB Thunderbird
Year Released 1959 1988
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 692 cc 3797 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 49 HP 210 HP
Torque 61 Nm 427 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 2600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 70 mm 96.8 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 86 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.0:1 8.2:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 381 kg 1710 kg
Vehicle Length 3400 mm 5050 mm
Vehicle Width 1380 mm 1850 mm
Vehicle Height 1170 mm 1350 mm
Wheelbase Size 1990 mm 2880 mm