1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 473 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 2009 Kia Sportage 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, 2009 Kia Sportage 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2083 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
