1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1983 Renault 5
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Renault 5 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Renault 5 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 638 kg more than 1983 Renault 5.
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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1983 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Thunderbird | 5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
