1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 11 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 23 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 410 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. 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, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
