1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2001 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2001 Toyota Avalon is newer by 13 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, 2001 Toyota Avalon (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 75 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2001 Toyota Avalon, 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, 2001 Toyota Avalon (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2001 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2610 mm |
