1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2013 Kia Sportage is newer by 24 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, 2013 Kia Sportage (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 38 kg more than 2013 Kia Sportage.
Because 2013 Kia Sportage is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Kia Sportage 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, 2013 Kia Sportage (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1855 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 58 L |
