1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 625 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | 323 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
