1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1985 Chevrolet Astro
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Astro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Astro would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1985 Chevrolet Astro. (183 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1985 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 185 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1985 Chevrolet Astro 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, 1985 Chevrolet Astro 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Chevrolet Astro. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Chevrolet Astro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1985 Chevrolet Astro | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Thunderbird | Astro |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2830 mm |
