1970 Chrysler Centura vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chrysler Centura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chrysler Centura 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 (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1970 Chrysler Centura. (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1970 Chrysler Centura. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 491 kg more than 1970 Chrysler Centura. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chrysler Centura. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chrysler Centura. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1970 Chrysler Centura has manual transmission. 1970 Chrysler Centura will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chrysler Centura | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | Centura | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1980 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2880 mm |
