1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 16 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 180 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Ford | Cadillac |
| Model | Thunderbird | CTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3173 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
