1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 757 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda. 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, 2012 Fiat Panda, 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Thunderbird | Panda |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2310 mm |
