1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1973 Ford Cortina

To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 665 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. 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 (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Ford Thunderbird 1973 Ford Cortina
Make Ford Ford
Model Thunderbird Cortina
Year Released 1988 1973
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3791 cc 1298 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 138 HP 56 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 291 Nm 91 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 96.8 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 63 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1610 kg 945 kg
Vehicle Length 5050 mm 4270 mm
Vehicle Width 1850 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2880 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 55 L


 

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