1981 Fiat 127 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 905 kg more than 1981 Fiat 127. 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, 1981 Fiat 127, 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 (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 127 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2880 mm |
