1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1988 Ford RS 200
To start off, 1997 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 1988 Ford RS 200.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1988 Ford RS 200 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | RS 200 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1804 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 116 L |
