1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 32 kg more than 2010 Nissan Altima.
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 Nissan Altima, 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 (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Altima. (219 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | Altima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2776 mm |
