1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1989 Honda Accord
To start off, 1989 Honda Accord is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Honda Accord (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 307 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord.
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, 1989 Honda Accord, 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (198 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1989 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1989 Honda Accord 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 | 1989 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Accord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2156 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2730 mm |
