1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Ford Ranger
To start off, 1996 Ford Ranger is newer by 8 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 211 kg more than 1996 Ford Ranger. 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 (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1996 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2840 mm |
