1989 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 1 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 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro (238 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Camaro | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Camaro | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2880 mm |
