1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 28 kg more than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Thunderbird | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2640 mm |
