1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1988 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. Both 1989 Ford Thunderbird and 1988 Pontiac Bonneville are equipped with a 3,791 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Bonneville (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 108 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville.
Because 1989 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 1989 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1988 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
