1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 8 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. 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, 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2820 mm |
