1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Thunderbird 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 1 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Astra weights approximately 130 kg more than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1990 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 1990 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Astra, 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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Thunderbird | Astra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 46 L |
