1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 462 kg more than 2009 Kia Rio. 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, 2009 Kia Rio, 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 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Rio |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1144 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2420 mm |
