1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2004 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento (192 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Sorento weights approximately 568 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 2004 Kia Sorento 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, 2004 Kia Sorento 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, 2004 Kia Sorento (294 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.8 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 | 2178 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
