1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Acura ZDX
To start off, 2012 Acura ZDX is newer by 24 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, 2012 Acura ZDX (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura ZDX should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura ZDX weights approximately 401 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 2012 Acura ZDX is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura ZDX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Acura ZDX (366 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Acura ZDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Acura ZDX | |
| Make | Ford | Acura |
| Model | Thunderbird | ZDX |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 2007 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1994 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1595 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2751 mm |
