1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 120 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 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego (326 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Montego |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2870 mm |
