1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 646 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
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) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1972 Ford GT 40 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 | 1972 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.9 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 | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2420 mm |
