1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada Niva 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 64 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 456 kg more than 1980 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1980 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1980 Lada Niva 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 | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Thunderbird | Niva |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2210 mm |
