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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 425 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage. 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 (427 Nm) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (251 Nm). 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 | 3797 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1285 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 |
