1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1948 Triumph Roadster
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Triumph Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Triumph Roadster would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1948 Triumph Roadster. (62 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1948 Triumph Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 454 kg more than 1948 Triumph Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Triumph Roadster. (125 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Triumph Roadster. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1948 Triumph Roadster has manual transmission. 1948 Triumph Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1948 Triumph Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Thunderbird | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1776 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 106 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2550 mm |
