1987 Buick Regal vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Regal (276 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 30 kg more than 1987 Buick Regal.
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, 1987 Buick Regal (489 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Regal | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Regal | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2880 mm |
