1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2013 Toyota Avalon is newer by 25 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, 2013 Toyota Avalon (154 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 40 kg more than 2013 Toyota Avalon.
Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Avalon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
