1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1988 Lada Niva
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (57 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 258 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lada Niva 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (114 Nm @ 2070 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1988 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1988 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1988 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Thunderbird | Niva |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2070 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
