1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort 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 81 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 696 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort 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 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Escort |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
