1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (113 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 290 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. 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 Honda Civic, 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 (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Natural Gas (CNG) |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1320 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 30 L |
