1980 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 620 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Suburban | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2880 mm |
