1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
To start off, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser (260 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 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 (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | FJ Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1811 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2690 mm |
