1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (408 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 190 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Thunderbird | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
