1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Ford F-250
To start off, 2012 Ford F-250 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-250 (385 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2012 Ford F-250 (548 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Ford F-250 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | F-250 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 548 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 6269 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1966 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3967 mm |
