1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Rover 800
To start off, 1996 Rover 800 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 800 (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 175 kg more than 1996 Rover 800.
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 Rover 800, 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 800. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1996 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | 800 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2780 mm |
