1988 Chevrolet Blazer vs. 1989 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Blazer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Blazer would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Blazer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer (158 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 164 kg more than 1988 Chevrolet Blazer.
Because 1988 Chevrolet Blazer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer 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 Chevrolet Blazer (312 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Blazer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Blazer | 1989 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Blazer | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2880 mm |
