1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Ford E-150
To start off, 2011 Ford E-150 is newer by 23 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford E-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford E-150 weights approximately 794 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.
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, 2011 Ford E-150 (387 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Ford E-150 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | E-150 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 2093 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3505 mm |
