1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2010 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2010 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 22 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, 2010 Buick LaCrosse (280 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 143 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 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, 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Buick LaCrosse. (351 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2010 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Thunderbird | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1853 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2837 mm |
