1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1959 Morris Cowley
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morris Cowley. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morris Cowley 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) has 87 more horse power than 1959 Morris Cowley. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1959 Morris Cowley. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 486 kg more than 1959 Morris Cowley. 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 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morris Cowley. (106 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morris Cowley. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1959 Morris Cowley has manual transmission. 1959 Morris Cowley 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 | 1959 Morris Cowley | |
| Make | Ford | Morris |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cowley |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2440 mm |
