1982 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 4,080 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1982 Cadillac Eldorado. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1982 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 34 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1982 Cadillac Eldorado, 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 (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Cadillac Eldorado. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Cadillac Eldorado | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Eldorado | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4080 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2880 mm |
