1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade 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) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 821 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2330 mm |
