1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 18 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, 2006 Ford Focus (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 109 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2650 mm |
