1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Pontiac G8
To start off, 2009 Pontiac G8 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac G8 (414 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 281 kg more than 2009 Pontiac G8.
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 Pontiac G8 (563 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Pontiac G8 | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | G8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
