1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2008 Ford Ranger is newer by 20 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, 2008 Ford Ranger (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 503 kg more than 2008 Ford Ranger.
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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ranger. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
