1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 17 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 146 kg more than 2005 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| 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 | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
