1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1987 Lada Niva
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 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 (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1987 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 560 kg more than 1987 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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, 1987 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 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 1987 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1987 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Thunderbird | Niva |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 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 |
