1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1995 Mazda 626
To start off, 1995 Mazda 626 is newer by 7 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, 1995 Mazda 626 (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 1995 Mazda 626.
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, 1995 Mazda 626, 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda 626. (217 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda 626. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda 626 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 | 1995 Mazda 626 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Thunderbird | 626 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1995 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2497 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 292 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
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 | 1266 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2620 mm |