1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Lumina | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 210 HP |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2880 mm |
