1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
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 Mini Cooper, 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 (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mini Cooper. (260 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Ford | Mini |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
