1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1961 Triumph Herald
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph Herald. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph Herald 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 105 more horse power than 1961 Triumph Herald. (35 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph Herald. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 846 kg more than 1961 Triumph Herald. 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 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph Herald. (69 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph Herald.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1961 Triumph Herald | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Thunderbird | Herald |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2320 mm |
