1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 14 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2760 mm |
