1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Saturn Sky
To start off, 2008 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 320 kg more than 2008 Saturn Sky.
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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Sky. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Sky.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Saturn Sky | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sky |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
