1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 513 kg more than 2011 Kia Rio. 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, 2011 Kia Rio, 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Rio |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2570 mm |
