1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 GMC Acadia
To start off, 2012 GMC Acadia 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 GMC Acadia (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Acadia should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Acadia weights approximately 506 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 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 GMC Acadia, 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, 2012 GMC Acadia (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Acadia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 GMC Acadia | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Thunderbird | Acadia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 2112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1986 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3020 mm |
