1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 32 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 86 kg more than 2012 Subaru Forester.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Forester. (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Thunderbird | Forester |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
