1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick LeSabre 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 36 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 16 kg more than 1978 Buick LeSabre. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2880 mm |
