1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 15 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (162 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 158 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Thunderbird | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
