1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2004 Kia Sportage 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2004 Kia Sportage. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Sportage.
Because 2004 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Sportage. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2640 mm |
