1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 12 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 10 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 362 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour. 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, 2000 Ford Contour, 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 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Contour |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| 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 | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
