1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 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 @ 3800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 610 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480. 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, 1989 Volvo 480, 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 (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 480. (141 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Thunderbird | 480 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2510 mm |
