1971 Buick GS vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick GS weights approximately 26 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, 1971 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1971 Buick GS has manual transmission. 1971 Buick GS 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:
| 1971 Buick GS | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | GS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2880 mm |
