1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Honda Pilot
To start off, 2008 Honda Pilot is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Pilot weights approximately 396 kg more than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Honda Pilot is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Pilot 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, 2008 Honda Pilot (326 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Honda Pilot | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Pilot |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 77 L |
