1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (228 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 455 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 2013 Toyota Highlander 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Toyota Highlander. (292 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Thunderbird | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 2165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4795 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2790 mm |
