1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Honda Element
To start off, 2007 Honda Element is newer by 19 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, 2007 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Element weights approximately 380 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 2007 Honda Element 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, 2007 Honda Element 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 (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Element |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 99 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
