1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2009 Ford Expedition is newer by 21 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 644 kg more than 2009 Ford Expedition.
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, 2009 Ford Expedition (495 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1970 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 106 L |
