1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 26 kg more than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy 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, 2012 Subaru Legacy (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Thunderbird | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2750 mm |
