1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2004 Subaru Forester 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 (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2004 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 221 kg more than 2004 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Subaru Forester. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2004 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2004 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Thunderbird | Forester |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2530 mm |
