1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 680 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Thunderbird | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2490 mm |
