1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 664 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Exige |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2299 mm |
